Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Nutrition Implications

Abstract

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome characterized by elevated heart rate without hypotension and most commonly occurs in young females (generally <35 years of age). The prevalence of POTS is on the rise, but the etiology is still under investigation, and there appear to be multiple potential physiologic causes. The majority of these patients experience a multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) and systemic symptoms and conditions that may contribute to functional debility and poor quality of life. Although symptoms generally improve with age, they can still lead to significant issues meeting nutrition and hydration needs. This paper summarizes the understood potential pathophysiology of POTS, associated GI and nutrition issues, general treatment of POTS, and strategies to assess and meet the unique nutrition and hydration needs of these patients.

Keywords: enteral nutrition; gastrointestinal diseases; hypotension; nutrition support; nutrition therapy; postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; tachycardia.